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What's Causing My Rash and Sore, Swollen Throat?

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A sore throat occurs when your pharynx, or throat, becomes inflamed or irritated. A rash is a change in the texture or color of your skin. Rashes can be itchy and raised, and can cause the skin to blister, look scaly, or feel sore. A rash’s nature and... Read more

A sore throat occurs when
your pharynx, or throat, becomes inflamed or irritated.

A rash is a change in the
texture or color of your skin. Rashes can be itchy and raised, and can cause
the skin to blister, look scaly, or feel sore. A rash’s nature and appearance
can indicate possible causes.

What causes a rash and sore, swollen throat?

A rash and sore throat can
be inflammatory responses. Your body releases chemicals called histamines when
you’re exposed to an allergen. While this is meant to be a protective
mechanism, histamines can cause a skin rash and a swollen throat.

Sometimes, a rash and
swollen throat along with difficulty breathing may indicate a life-threatening
reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is usually a result of exposure to something known to
cause allergic reactions, such as a bee sting or certain foods.

If you believe you or
someone around you is experiencing anaphylaxis, call 911 immediately.

Viral and bacterial
infections also can cause a rash and sore throat. These can include the
following:

Fifth disease

Fifth disease is a viral
infection that commonly affects children between the ages of 5 and 15. A sore
throat may occur in the early stage of the illness and progress to a rash on
the face. It then spreads to other parts of the body, including the chest,
back, arms, and buttocks. A rash is more likely to develop in children younger
than 10 years old.

In addition to a rash and
sore throat, fifth disease can cause coldlike symptoms including a stuffy or
runny nose. Some children have a low-grade fever and complain of a headache.
Most children recover quickly. There's no vaccine for fifth disease, but good hygiene such as regular hand-washing
helps stop the spread of the infection.

Mononucleosis

Commonly called the
“kissing disease,” this viral infection causes a fever, sore throat, rash, and
swollen lymph nodes. Mononucleosis, or mono, is a contagious disease which
spreads from person to person through contact with saliva and mucus. You can
become ill after kissing someone with the virus, or sharing eating utensils and
drinking glasses with an infected person.

Symptoms usually develop
four to six weeks after exposure to the virus. Mono can be treated at home with
plenty of rest and pain medication to manage fever, a sore throat, and
headaches.

However, a burst spleen is
a potential complication of mono, as is jaundice. See a doctor immediately if
you experience sharp, severe pain in the upper section of your stomach, or note
your skin or eyes turning yellow.

Strep throat and scarlet
fever

Strep throat is caused by
the group A streptococcus bacteria.
The condition starts with a sore throat. Other symptoms of strep throat include
white patches in the throat, swollen glands, fever, enlarged tonsils,
difficulty swallowing. Some people may also have stomach pain, headaches, or a
fever. Your doctor can diagnose strep throat after a rapid strep test or throat
culture. Treatment involves a course of antibiotics.

If you have strep throat,
you’re at risk for developing scarlet fever, which is due to a bacterial toxin.
A sign of scarlet fever is a telltale bright red rash over your body, which
typically feels like sandpaper and may peel. Some
people who have scarlet fever also have a strawberry tongue, which appears red
and bumpy.

Seek treatment if you
suspect scarlet fever. If left untreated, the bacteria can spread to other
parts of the body including the kidneys, blood, and lungs. Rheumatic fever is a
complication of scarlet fever and can affect your heart, joints, and nervous
system. Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to treat scarlet fever.

When to seek medical help

Allergic reactions that cause a rash and swollen throat
can range from mild to severe. A severe reaction is known as anaphylaxis. This
is a medical emergency that can affect breathing. Seek immediate medical
treatment if you experience this reaction.

Make a doctor’s appointment if you have a fever
that doesn't subside within two to three days. This can be a sign of a viral or
bacterial infection. Also, seek medical attention if a rash becomes unbearably
itchy, your skin begins to flake and peel, or you feel you’re experiencing a
medical emergency.

How are a rash and sore, swollen
throat treated?

Treatment for a rash and sore, swollen throat
depends on the cause. For example, antihistamine medications can treat a rash
and swollen throat caused by an allergic reaction. In severe instances,
epinephrine can help reduce swelling in the throat.

While viral infections can’t be cured with
medication, bacterial infections can. Your doctor can prescribe antibiotics to
reduce the infection’s symptoms and duration.

Your doctor also can prescribe or recommend a
topical lotion or spray to reduce itching and discomfort from a rash.

Home care

Avoid scratching a rash to minimize its spread and
prevent it from worsening and becoming infected. Keep the area dry and clean,
using unscented, gentle soap and warm water. Applying calamine or
hydrocortisone cream may help reduce and soothe the rash.

Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe a
sore throat. Resting and drinking plenty of fluids can help sustain the energy
your body needs to heal. Take prescription medication as directed and until
it’s gone to avoid a relapse — even if you feel better. If you develop a swollen throat rapidly and have
difficulty breathing, you should be evaluated immediately in an emergency room.

How can I prevent rash and sore throat?

Frequent hand-washing
helps control the spread of infection. This includes washing your hands after
sneezing, before and after eating, and after direct contact with others.

Avoiding common allergens
such as strongly scented cosmetics and cigarette smoke can reduce the
likelihood of a reaction.

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Your privacy is important to us. Any information you provide to us via this website may be placed by us on servers located in countries outside of the EU. If you do not agree to such placement, do not provide the information.